EP0654209B1 - Haymaking machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hay making machine having a structure (1) composed of a central part (2) and of lateral parts (3 to 6) articulated together, which parts (2 to 6) include casings (16) with which are associated rotors (15) which are mounted so that they can rotate on support spindles (20) about which they are driven in rotation by means of shafts (23) housed in the structure (1), each of the said support spindles (20) being equipped at its lower end with a bearing wheel (24) and being fastened at its upper end into a sleeve (bushing) (28) which is mounted so that it can pivot in a bearing (30) of the corresponding casing (16) of the structure (1) and which has a lever (35) for adjusting its position in the said bearing (30). It is noteworthy in that at least on the central part (2) of the structure (1), the bearing (30) of the sleeve (28) of the support spindle (20) for each of the rotors (15) is completely situated on the inner side of the upper wall (31) of the corresponding casing (16), that the said bearing (30) extends right along the drive shaft (23) of the rotors (15), and that the adjusting lever (35) is situated between the drive shaft (23) and the upper wall (31) and that it extends through a first opening or slot (38) in the bearing (30) and a second opening or slot (39) provided in a lateral wall (40) of the casing (16). <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a haymaking machine having a frame composed of a central part provided with a device for hooking to a tractor and lateral parts articulated to the central part, which parts comprise housings with which rotors are associated which are rotatably mounted on axes substantially vertical supports around which they are rotated during work by means of drive shafts housed in the frame, each of said support pins being equipped, at its lower end, with a load wheel and being fixed at its upper end in a sleeve which is pivotally mounted in a bearing of the corresponding housing of the frame and which has a lever for the adjustment from its position in said bearing.

It is thus possible to orient the support axes of the rotors so that the supporting wheels form right angles to the frame or else they are directed obliquely to the right or to the left. In the first position, the frame adopts a position perpendicular to the direction of travel during work. The feed moved by the rotors is then thrown back and is spread on a strip of land with a width substantially equal to that of the machine. When the load wheels are oriented to the right or to the left, the frame is placed in an oblique position with respect to the direction of advance. The rotors then project the feed at an angle to the right or to the left depending of the position of the frame. This keeps the fodder away from the edges of the ground and, if applicable, a ditch, fence or other obstacle.

On a machine of this kind, known in the patent application DE 21 25 847, the sleeve of the support shaft of each rotor and its bearing guide through the upper wall of the corresponding housing. The adjustment lever is then fixed on the end of the sleeve which extends outside the casing.

In this type of assembly, the guide bearing is completely above of the rotational drive shaft of the rotors. Therefore, the sleeve must have a significant length. In addition, it is only guided in the landing on a small part of its length. Therefore, the overhang of the rotor support axis is Very important. This can cause a rapid increase in the clearance between the sleeve and the bearing, or even a rapid deterioration of the assembly.

In addition, on the central part of the machine frame, the upper sides housings are no longer available for fixing the hanging device and / or means of protection.

The present invention aims to provide a machine as described in the introduction, but not having the drawbacks of the known machine. The invention must allow better guidance of the support axes of the rotors, while retaining a simple construction of the housings. It should also allow keep the upper sides of the casings free for the attachment of the device coupling and / or protection means.

To this end, important features of the invention consist of that, at least on the central part of the machine frame, the guide bearing of the sleeve of the support axis of each of the rotors is completely on the side internal of the upper wall of the corresponding casing, that said bearing extends from on either side of the rotational drive shaft of the rotors and that the lever adjustment of said sleeve and of the corresponding support axis is located between the shaft rotational drive and the upper wall of the housing and that it extends through a first bearing slot and a second slot provided in a side wall of the casing.

In this arrangement, the sleeve of the rotor support axis is more guided in its landing. The overhang is less important than on the known machine. In addition, the upper sides of the housings associated with the rotors are completely cleared. It is then possible to connect the coupling device of the machine. These locations are particularly advantageous because said sides superiors are relatively flat and because they allow a good distribution of the load, thanks to their distance from each other and their location near ends of the central part of the frame.

Another characteristic of the invention consists in that the levers of adjustment of the sleeves and the corresponding support pins are connected to rods control by means of swivel ends. These allow movement rods relative to the levers, when the machine is transposed in the transport position. Therefore, it is possible to transpose without the need to bring the levers and support pins beforehand in a defined position.

• la figure 1 représente une vue de dessus d'une machine selon l'invention dans une première position de travail,
• la figure 2 représente une vue de dessus d'une machine selon l'invention dans une position de travail oblique,
• la figure 3 représente une coupe d'un rotor, suivant un plan vertical et parallèle au bâti de la machine,
• la figure 4 représente une coupe d'un rotor, suivant un plan vertical et perpendiculaire au bâti de la machine,
• la figure 5 représente une coupe du carter d'un rotor, suivant un plan horizontal situé au niveau de l'arbre d'entraínement du rotor,
• la figure 6 représente une coupe du carter d'un rotor, suivant un plan horizontal situé au niveau du levier de réglage.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the claims and from the description below of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention, in relation to the appended drawings in which:

• FIG. 1 represents a top view of a machine according to the invention in a first working position,
• FIG. 2 represents a top view of a machine according to the invention in an oblique working position,
• FIG. 3 represents a section of a rotor, along a vertical plane and parallel to the frame of the machine,
• FIG. 4 represents a section of a rotor, along a vertical plane and perpendicular to the frame of the machine,
• FIG. 5 represents a section of the housing of a rotor, along a horizontal plane located at the level of the drive shaft of the rotor,
• Figure 6 shows a section of the housing of a rotor, along a horizontal plane located at the adjustment lever.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the machine according to the invention comprises an elongated frame (1). This consists of a central part (2) and four side parts (3 to 6) which are hinged together by means of pivots (7) directed in the direction of advance indicated by the arrow (A). Of them side parts (3, 5) are located on one side of the central part (2) and two parts lateral (4, 6) on the other side of said central part (2). This has a attachment device (8) to a tractor which is not shown and which is used to animate and moving the machine in the direction of travel (A). This device is consists of a beam (9) and a bracket (10). The latter is articulated on the beam (9) by means of a substantially vertical axis (11). She has three points coupling (12, 13, 14) for attachment to the tractor. The hanging device (8) could also be constituted by a drawbar in the case of a machine of the trailed type.

The central part (2) of the frame (1) carries two tedder rotors (15), while that each side part carries a single tedding rotor (15). The machine shown thus has a total of six rotors (15). It will be understood that the number of rotors (15) can vary depending on the number of side parts that the frame (1). Each of these rotors (15) is associated with a casing (16) in the central part (2) or the corresponding side part (3 to 6). It appears in particular from the figures 3 and 4 that each rotor (15) has a hub (17) which is provided with several arms (18). These extend radially and carry working forks (19). Said hub (17) is mounted so that it can rotate on a support axis (20) substantially vertical. In view of the rotational drive of the rotors (15), each hub (17) has a ring gear (21) with which a pinion meshes (22) in the corresponding casing (16). Each of these pinions (22) is mounted on a drive shaft (23) which is housed in the central part (2) and the part lateral (3 to 6) corresponding. These different drive shafts (23) are interconnected by cardan joints or finger joints located at the pivots (7). They are themselves rotated by the PTO shaft of the tractor by means of an intermediate transmission shaft.

Each support axis (20) of a rotor (15) carries at its lower end a load-bearing wheel (24) capable of rolling on the ground. This wheel (24) is mounted on a column (25) integral with a bearing (26) which is fixed to the support axis (20) by a pin (27). The upper end of each support pin (20) is fixed in a sleeve (28) by means of a pin (29). This sleeve (28) has a shape essentially cylindrical. It is pivotally mounted in a bearing (30) of the corresponding casing (16) and is locked in the axial direction in said bearing (30) by the wall upper (31) of the casing (16) and by a circlip (32). This sleeve (28) can be consisting of an integral part of the support axis (20).

On the machine as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the bearings (30) sleeves (28) of the support pins (20) of the rotors (15) of the central part (2) and lateral parts (3 and 4) of the frame (1) lie completely on the internal side of the upper wall (31) of the corresponding casing (16). The upper side of these walls (31) is then completely free. The walls (31) of the casings (16) of the part central (2) can thus carry fixing plates (53, 54) which is connected the beam (9) of the hanging device (8). These plates (53, 54), as well as the walls (31) of the casings (16) of the lateral parts (3 and 4) can also wear a protective device.

Said bearings (30) extend in addition on either side of the shafts (23) serving to the rotational drive of the rotors (15). Each bearing (30) has a orifice (33) whose diameter is slightly greater than that of the drive shaft (23) correspondent and through which the latter passes. Each sleeve (28) which is housed in one of these bearings (30) also has an orifice (34) through which passes the drive shaft (23). These bearings (30) thus ensure good guidance sleeves (28) and support pins (20). Said opening (34) of the sleeves (28) has a shape such that the latter can rotate around their axes longitudinal without coming into contact with the drive shafts (23) (see figure 5).

Each sleeve (28) has a lever (35) for adjusting its position in the bearing (30) and, through it, from the position of the support pin (20) and of the corresponding carrier wheel (24). On the rotors (15) of the central part (2) and lateral parts (3 and 4) of the frame (1), the levers (35) are engaged in orifices (36) of the sleeves (28) and are made integral with the latter with pins (37). These levers (35) are located between the drive shafts (23) and the upper walls (31) of the casings (16). They extend outside the casings (16) to through a first opening or slot (38) provided in each bearing (30) and a second opening or slot (39) provided in the side wall (40) of each casing (16). The two aforementioned slots (38 and 39) have an elongated shape. Each lever (35) carries a closure plate (41) of the slot (39) of the side wall (40). This plate (41) moves with the lever (35) and prevents the introduction of foreign bodies in the housing (16). On each lever (35) is additionally mounted a pressure spring (42) which pushes the plate (41) against the side wall (40). Therefore, it remains constantly in contact with said wall (40) (see Figure 6).

The support axes (20) of the rotors (15) of the two outer lateral parts (5 and 6) of the frame (1) can be mounted in the same manner as that described above. However, the fact that the rotary drive shaft (23) does not extend not over said support pins (20), these can be extended towards the high and protrude from the upper wall (31) of the casings (16). Adjustment levers (35) can then be fixed directly to the ends of these support pins (20).

All the adjustment levers (35) of the support axes (20) of the rotors (15) of the machine are connected to control rods (43) by means of end caps (44). These rods (43) are substantially parallel to the central part (2) and to the parts side (3 to 6) of the frame (1). They are hinged together by means of pins (45) substantially parallel to the pivots (7) and situated practically in the extension of these. The central part (2) of the frame (1) carries a hydraulic cylinder (46), the rod is articulated on the control rod (43) which is parallel to said part central (2).

The connection between the adjustment levers (35) and the rods (43) is ensured means of end pieces (44) which have the form of forks. They are pivotally mounted on the ends of the adjustment levers (35). For this purpose, each end piece (44) has an orifice (47) into which the end of the corresponding lever (35) penetrates. This end has a threaded part (48) on which is screwed a nut (49) which retains the end piece (44) on the lever (35). Said ends of the levers (35) are substantially perpendicular to the support axes (20) of the rotors (15). This allows the ends (44) and the rods (43) to move relative to said levers (35) in a plane parallel to the plane containing the support axes (20).

The end pieces (44) are articulated on the rods (43) by means of pins (50) which are substantially parallel to the support axes (20) of the rotors (15). These rods (43) are located between two dishes (51 and 52) of each end piece (44), the axes (50) passing through said rods (43) and said plates (51 and 52) (see FIG. 4).

During work, the machine is coupled to a tractor which allows move in direction (A). The rotors (15) are rotated, around their respective support axes (20), so that they rotate two by two in convergence at the front (arrows F and F '). During this rotation, their forks (19) collect, in the front half of their trajectory, the plants which are in the ground, move them backwards and spread them out again while causing them to reversal. The different rotors (15) can follow the unevenness of the ground in pivoting with the corresponding parts (2 to 6) of the frame (1) around the pivots (7). The entire frame (1) can also pivot around the hinge axis (11) of the hooking device (8) in order to follow the tractor well when cornering.

In the first working position which is shown in FIG. 1, the frame (1) and the rotors (15) lie on a line substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel (A). The rotors (15) then project the plants in the direction opposite to the direction of travel (A), so that they practically fall on the same strip of land. The supporting wheels (24) are locked in a direction in which they are substantially perpendicular to the frame (1). This blocking is ensured by means of the hydraulic cylinder (46) which blocks the rods (43). These in turn block the support pins (20) of said load wheels (24) via levers (35) and sleeves (28). He can possibly be provided with a mechanical locking device between the frame (1) and the rods (43) in order to better define the different positions of the latter. These measures would advantageously be controlled from the tractor.

The machine can be moved to the second working position shown in FIG. 2 by actuating the hydraulic cylinder (46) so that it elongates. He then moves the rods (43) to the right side of the machine. These drive all the levers (35) which rotate the sleeves (28) and the pins supports (20) in the bearings (30). Said axes (20) then orient the wheels carriers (24) to the left side of the frame (1) until they form angles α of about 25 ° from their initial position.

However, since these load wheels (24) remain unchanged in the direction of advance (A), the entire frame (1) rotates around the axis of articulation (11) of the hanging device (8) and is placed in an oblique position relative to the direction of advancement (A). The rotors (15) are then also located on an oblique line and move the plants at an angle to the advancement direction (A).

To return to the first working position, simply order the hydraulic cylinder (46), so that it shortens and brings back the rods (43), the levers (35), sleeves (28), support pins (20) and load wheels (24) in their original position.

The machine can be moved to a third working position which is not shown. To do this, simply order the hydraulic cylinder (46), when the machine is in its first working position, so that it shortens. He then pulls the rods (43) to the left side of the machine. These rotate, by means of the levers (35), the sleeves (28) and the pins supports (20) in the bearings (30), so that the carrying wheels (24) are oriented towards the right side of the frame (1). This then rotates around the axis of articulation (11) and is placed in an oblique position which is inverted with respect to that of the second working position described. The return to the first position is obtained by actuating the hydraulic cylinder (46), so that it lengthens. We will choose the second or third working position depending on the side towards which one wishes to move the plants.

On the machine according to the invention, the lateral parts (3 to 6) of the frame (1) can be raised around the pivots (7) to put it in the transport position from from any of the working positions. During this lifting, the rods (43) pivot around their articulation axes (45) and follow said lateral parts (3 to 6). When the machine is in the second or third working position, these hinge pins (45) are slightly offset from to the pivots (7). The rods (43) and the end pieces (44) then pivot around the ends of the levers (35), which prevents the deformation of the rods (43).

It is obvious that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications are possible, especially regarding the constitution of the various elements or by substitution technical equivalents, without going beyond the scope of protection as defined in the claims.

Claims (8)

1. Haymaking machine which has a frame (1) made up of a central part (2) equipped with a device (8) for hitching to a tractor and of lateral parts (3 to 6) articulated to the central part (2), which parts (2 to 6) comprise casings (16) with which are associated rotors (15) which are mounted to rotate on approximately vertical support spindles (20), about which they are driven in rotation during work by means of drive shafts (23) housed in the frame (1), each of the said support spindles (20) being equipped at its lower end with a carrying wheel (24) and being fixed at its upper end into a bush (28) which is mounted to pivot in a guide bearing (30) provided in the corresponding casing (16) of the frame (1) and which has a lever (35) for adjusting its position in the said bearing (30), characterized in that at least in the central part (2) of the frame (1) the guide bearing (30) of the bush (28) of the support spindle (20) of each of the rotors (15) is fully located on the inside of the upper wall (31) of the corresponding casing (16), that the said guide bearing (30) extends on either side of the drive shaft (23) that drives the rotors (15) in rotation, and that the lever (35) for adjusting the said bush (28) and the corresponding support spindle (20) is situated between the rotational-drive shaft (23) and the upper wall (31) of the casing (16) and that it extends through a first opening or slot (38) provided in the guide bearing (30) and a second opening or slot (39) provided in a lateral wall (40) of the casing (16).
2. Machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that the bush (28) of the support spindle (20) is retained in the corresponding bearing (30), in its lengthwise direction, by the upper wall (31) of the casing (16), on the one hand, and by a circlip (32), on the other hand.
3. Machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting lever (35) carries a small plate (41) for closing the slot (39) in the lateral wall (40).
4. Machine according to Claim 3, characterized in that the closing-off plate (41) is pushed against the lateral wall (40) by means of a pressure spring (42).
5. Machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting levers (35) are connected to operating rods (43) by means of pivoting end fittings (44).
6. Machine according to Claim 5, characterized in that the end fittings (44) are mounted to pivot on the ends of the adjusting levers (35).
7. Machine according to Claim 6, characterized in that the ends of the adjusting levers (35) are approximately perpendicular to the support spindles (20) of the rotors (15).
8. Machine according to Claim 5, characterized in that the end fittings (44) are articulated to the rods (43) by means of axles (50) which are approximately parallel to the support spindles (20) of the rotors (15).

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